From wardrobe to car

We know from our own research that space is at a premium and it seems UK drivers are giving their clothes the boot, with nearly half of drivers using their car as a travelling wardrobe – the ‘Cardrobe’.

Our survey revealed that the good weather has led to an abundance of abandoned clothing being dumped in car boots as 19% say they have extra layers left in the car thanks to the rising temperature. Sports kits are also a natural fit for the car boot, with an estimated £1 billion worth of football boots left in cars across the UK.

‘Cardrobes’ also allow sneaky storage with 1.8 million drivers using their cars to hide new or expensive purchases from their partners. The research showed that men are nearly twice as likely to hide a purchase from their partner as women.

The research also revealed some of the more unusual items people can’t drive without, and it appears driving gloves are making a comeback. It seems younger drivers are aspiring to ride like Rihanna and Lady Gaga as 20% of 18-24 year olds have a pair in their cars. Other odd items listed as ‘Cardrobe’ contents include rubber gloves, gas masks, tutus, feather boas and bowler hats.

Andy James, UK CEO at 1^ST CENTRAL, said: “With people struggling for space in their homes, it’s no wonder the nation is turning their cars into a travelling wardrobe. If you add it up, some of the kit we keep in our cars not only builds up in weight, eating into our fuel consumption, but can equate to a hefty price tag too.

“Expensive football boots, sports kit and designer sunglasses aren’t necessarily covered in your car insurance, so drivers do need to keep this in mind when keeping their things in the boot.

“While insurers will cover motorists for damage to clothes left in their cars or in the worst case scenario items that are stolen, we’d advise that drivers keep their irreplaceable items in their homes as the safest place for them.”